Companies that embrace diversity and LGBTQ+ inclusive policies and practices contribute to a better and more tolerant society – but by attracting a wide range of talented staff with different backgrounds and experiences, they also tend to be more innovative and profitable.
Vehicle manufacturers, operators and suppliers across the automotive industry have been working closely with the LGBTQ+ community for many years to build a future workforce that is diverse, equitable and inclusive (DEI).
Established in 2021, the Possibilities Project is Nissan’s long-term Corporate Social Responsibility programme that promotes DEI. A key focus is on supporting the LGBTQ+ community through internal and external initiatives that foster inclusivity, equality, and opportunity for individuals from all walks of life.
For example, Nissan created its own workplace Pride Network in 2023, which hosts activities throughout the year to support the LGBTQ+ community.
Gender-neutral facilities have also been integrated across all Nissan sites and all HR policies have been updated to recognise gender fluidity.
Furthermore, all UK employees undertake mandatory training on unconscious bias.
Eight Nissan dealerships – Lookers Nissan Group with six dealerships, and Smiths Nissan and Canterbury Nissan – recently achieved Pride365 Certification as part of a new pilot programme designed to ensure every customer or employee feels respected, welcomed, and valued.
Nissan was a founding partner of Rainbow Row, a designated mile of the TCS London Marathon route thatpromotes the LGBTQ+ community and allyship through branding and live entertainment.
In addition, the manufacturer created LGBTQ+ themed Cheerzones at Great Run Series events, working with local LGBTQ+ groups at each running location to bring support, raise money and create a fun, inclusive atmosphere for spectators.
Meanwhile, Nissan is the DEI partner of Manchester City FC’s charitable foundation – City in the Community (CiTC), launched in 2024.
This is CiTC’s first LGBTQ+ initiative and is designed to create a safe spaces football programme for the LGBTQ+ community in the Manchester area.
Nissan also received the ‘Outstanding Corporate Social Responsibility Award’ at the 2025 Metro Pride Awards for its exceptional efforts in supporting the LGBTQ+ community.
Fiona Mackay, Nissan Marketing director said: “The Possibilities Project epitomises Nissan’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, both within our workplace and in the wider community.
“We’re naturally very proud to be recognised for these efforts, but even more so that our ongoing support for the LGBTQ+ community plays a part in making a positive difference to the lives of underrepresented communities in the UK.”
Volkswagen Group UK (VWG) was the main stage sponsor of the Milton Keynes Pride Festival last September, reaffirming its commitment, for the fifth consecutive year, to diversity, inclusion and community celebration.
The festival benefits the local community through providing a safe space for LGBTQ+ people, and contributes to local projects ranging from educational development programmes to youth groups and Q:Alliance, a local LGBTQ+ charity.
This event gives employees who host the stand a platform from which to connect with people from across Milton Keynes and demonstrate that Volkswagen UK, which is based in the city, is a friendly and inclusive workplace.
VWG’s commitment to the cause is driven by passionate employee network groups like We Drive Proud, which champions LGBTQ+ inclusion across the organisation.
Sima Ballard, Co-Chair of We Drive Proud UK said: “At Volkswagen Group UK, our support for Milton Keynes Pride Festival is more than symbolic; it’s a celebration of who we are and what we stand for.
“Being part of the festival in such a hands-on way, both through sponsorship and the incredible involvement of our colleagues, means a great deal to us and to the LGBTQ+ community here in Milton Keynes.”
Last July, ahead of the Pride in London parade, Transport for London (TfL) celebrated 20 years of its LGBTQ+ colleague community OUTbound with a series of initiatives.
The group, which was founded in 2005 and has more than 900 members, aims to support anyone who identifies as being LGBTQ+.
Across the transport network, TfL displayed portrait posters of staff who have made huge contributions to the LGBTQ+ community within the organisation and across the transport industry.
In addition, at last year’s Pride in London parade, a bus containing TfL staff wore newly designed T-shirts representing the theme ‘activism and social change’.
This was the 20th year in row that TfL took part in the Pride in London parade as a community partner.
London’s Transport Commissioner, Andy Lord, said: “TfL’s OUTbound colleague network group has been, and continues to be, a huge support for TfL’s LGBTQ+ community.
“Their contribution and progress over the last 20 years has been incredible as they continue to break down barriers across the transport industry.”
Also, Peugeot is headline partner of the Attitude Pride Awards Europe, held annually in London.
Now in its ninth year, and newly expanded to reflect its European scope, the Pride Awards honour inspirational changemakers from across the LGBTQ+ community.
At the 2025 ceremony, awards were presented to seven outstanding LGBTQ+ heroes and three Pride Icons from across the UK and Europe.
The event also saw new Pride liveries unveiled for Peugeot’s all-electric E-3008 and E-5008 SUVs, which made their debut at Birmingham Pride, showcasing the manufacturer’s ‘Lion Head’ reimagined in the colours of the Pride flag.
The awards also raised nearly £20,000 for the Attitude Magazine Foundation, which supports LGBTQ+ causes large and small.
Nicola Dobson, Managing Director Peugeot UK, said: “Through our partnership with Attitude Magazine and the Pride Awards Europe, we’re honoured to spotlight those driving real change across the LGBTQ+ community.
“This celebration is about more than recognition, it’s a reflection of the world we want to help build: one that’s electric, inclusive and full of pride.”
Support from SMMT
The SMMT is actively promoting LGBTQ+ inclusion within the UK automotive industry through dedicated initiatives in partnership with firms like Shoosmiths.
These include:
- Inclusion Network: The SMMT Inclusion Network drives awareness of LGBTQ+ issues and promotes inclusivity across the sector.
- Workshops & Events: Regular workshops, such as the LGBTQ+ and Allies workshop, are held to support the community and promote inclusivity.
- Industry Recognition: The SMMT celebrates Pride Month, highlighting LGBTQ+ individuals within the automotive industry.
